Canadian securities regulators grant Designated Rating Organization status under new regulatory framework

TORONTO, April 30, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Securities Administrators announced today the official designation of DBRS Limited, Fitch, Inc., Moody's Canada Inc., and Standard & Poor's Rating Services (Canada) as Designated Rating Organizations (DROs) under applicable Canadian securities laws, as contemplated under National Instrument 25-101 Designated Rating Organizations (NI 25-101).

On April 20, 2012, NI 25-101 came into force, establishing a regulatory framework for the oversight of credit rating organizations, by permitting them to apply for DRO status.  This framework is consistent with international regimes applicable to credit rating agencies.

The four rating agencies granted DRO status are in compliance in all material respects with U.S. federal securities laws applicable to a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO). The U.S. requirements set out in the NRSRO regime are equivalent to the obligations under NI 25-101 and impose obligations to adhere to rules concerning conflicts of interest, governance, conduct, compliance and required filings.

The designation orders make each of the DROs subject to regulation under applicable Canadian securities laws. The DROs will have a six month transition period to fully implement all requirements set out in NI 25-101. Once they have done so, the CSA expect to issue and announce amended and restated designation orders.

The enabling legislation required to make NI 25-101 a rule in Saskatchewan will be proclaimed in Saskatchewan later this year.

The CSA, the council of the securities regulators of Canada's provinces and territories, co-ordinate and harmonize regulation for the Canadian capital markets.

 

For further information:

Carolyn Shaw-Rimmington
Ontario Securities Commission
416-593-2361

Mark Dickey
Alberta Securities Commission
403-297-4481

Sylvain Théberge
Autorité des marchés financiers
514-940-2176

Richard Gilhooley
British Columbia Securities Commission
604-899-6713

Ainsley Cunningham
Manitoba Securities Commission
204-945-4733

Wendy Connors-Beckett
New Brunswick Securities Commission
506 643-7745

Shirley Lee
Nova Scotia Securities Commission
902-424-5441

Dean Murrison
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission
306-787-5879

Janice Callbeck
PEI Securities Office
Office of the Attorney General
902-368-6288

Doug Connolly
Financial Services Regulation Div.
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-2594

Helena Hrubesova
Yukon Securities Office
867-667-5466

Louis Arki
Nunavut Securities Office
867-975-6587

Donn MacDougall
Northwest Territories Securities Office
867-920-8984